Resisting ‘Burnout’ &‘Vicarious Trauma’ Collective Care & Justice-Doing : The Zone of Fabulousness

Summary

Vicki Reynolds, a social justice activist and adjunct professor, introduces the concept of the 'Zone of Fabulousness' as a balanced approach to prevent worker burnout. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical and collaborative relationships with clients, avoiding both over-involvement and disconnection. Reynolds highlights the need for solidarity, collective ethics, and critique within the team to ensure that the focus remains on serving the client effectively, fostering a supportive and just work environment.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Vicki Reynolds emphasizes the importance of maintaining a 'Zone of Fabulousness' in social work, which is a balanced approach to client relationships that avoids both enmeshment and disconnection.
• 🔍 The concept of 'Zone of Fabulousness' is an alternative to measuring worker burnout, focusing instead on the ethical and effective service to clients.
• 🤝 Reynolds advocates for a collaborative approach, where workers are connected, ethical, and centered on the needs of the clients they serve.
• 🚫 She warns against the dangers of workers becoming too enmeshed with clients, which can lead to boundary violations and ineffectiveness.
• 🔗 The opposite extreme, disconnection, can result in workers becoming emotionally distant, using avoidance and numbing as coping mechanisms, which can lead to cynicism and negativity.
• 🛑 Reynolds highlights the risks of workers positioning themselves as heroes, which can be an undoable position that leads to ineffective work and a loss of boundaries.
• 💔 Disconnected workers may feel like victims, which is a misplacement of power dynamics and can be detrimental to the work environment and client service.
• 🌈 The 'Zone of Fabulousness' is inspired by queer culture and represents a fluid, playful, and respectful approach to social work that prioritizes collective ethics and solidarity.
• 👥 Reynolds believes in the power of group decision-making and dialogue over individual smartness, as it can lead to more creative and effective solutions in social work.
• 👩‍🏫 She stresses the importance of critique and accountability within the team to maintain the 'Zone of Fabulousness' and uphold collective ethics.
• 🔄 The idea of collective care is central to Reynolds' philosophy, suggesting that self-care is less important than the support and critique that come from a respectful and dignified team environment.

Q & A

What is Vicki Reynolds' primary role and focus in her professional life?

Vicki Reynolds is an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor, but her main focus is being a social justice activist. Her work aims to support people working in marginalized areas and to maintain ethical standards in their work.

What is the concept of 'Zone of Fabulousness' as described by Vicki Reynolds?

The 'Zone of Fabulousness' is an alternative perspective on worker burnout. It is a balanced state where workers are connected to their clients, aligned with ethical standards, and collaborative with each other, ensuring that the person they serve is at the center.

How does Vicki Reynolds define burnout in the context of her work?

Burnout, in Vicki Reynolds' view, can occur in two ways: either by becoming too enmeshed with clients, leading to boundary violations and ineffectiveness, or by becoming too disconnected, leading to avoidance, numbing, and negativity.

What are the potential negative outcomes of being too enmeshed with clients?

Being too enmeshed with clients can lead to boundary violations, such as creating overly intimate relationships, which can be intrusive and unsafe for clients. It can also result in workers positioning themselves as heroes, which is an unsustainable and potentially harmful dynamic.

What are the characteristics of workers who become too disconnected from their clients?

Disconnected workers may use avoidance and numbing strategies, such as drinking to disconnect from the day's events. They may also exhibit negativity and cynicism, which can turn into bullying behavior and a sense of being a victim of their work.

How does Vicki Reynolds relate the concept of 'Zone of Fabulousness' to queer culture?

Vicki Reynolds borrows the term 'Zone of Fabulousness' from queer culture, appreciating its playfulness and the fluidity it represents. It signifies a state of balance where the client is central, and workers are in solidarity without being heroes or victims.

What is the importance of critique and collective care in maintaining the 'Zone of Fabulousness'?

Critique and collective care are essential for keeping each other accountable to collective ethics and maintaining the balance in the 'Zone of Fabulousness.' They help workers to offer each other constructive feedback and support to stay connected and effective.

How does Vicki Reynolds view the role of solidarity in social justice work?

Solidarity is crucial in social justice work as it fosters a sense of group strength over individual efforts. It allows for collective decision-making and action, which is more effective and creative than the work of a single 'smart' individual.

What are some of the ethical principles that guide social justice activism according to Vicki Reynolds?

Some ethical principles guiding social justice activism include not caring who gets the credit, working with the understanding that group decisions are often better than individual ones, and maintaining a commitment to collective care and critique.

How does Vicki Reynolds suggest addressing issues of burnout or disconnection among workers?

Vicki Reynolds suggests addressing burnout or disconnection by offering critique and support to bring workers back to the collective ethics and the 'Zone of Fabulousness.' This requires pre-existing relationships of respect and dignity among workers.

What is the impact of boundary transgressions in a work environment focused on social justice?

Boundary transgressions, such as creating special relationships with clients, can undermine the safety and trust within the community being served. It can also lead to organizational issues, including investigations and potential shutdowns.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 The Zone of Fabulousness: Ethical Social Work and Client-Centered Care

Vicki Reynolds, a social justice activist and adjunct professor, introduces the concept of the 'Zone of Fabulousness' as a new perspective on worker burnout. Instead of focusing on the mental wellness of the worker, the emphasis is on keeping the client at the center of service. Reynolds discusses the importance of maintaining an appropriate balance in professional relationships with clients, avoiding both over-involvement and disconnection. She explains that burnout can manifest either by getting too close, leading to boundary violations and ineffectiveness, or by becoming too distant, resulting in a loss of hope and connection. The 'Zone of Fabulousness' represents a balanced state where ethics, justice, and collaboration are prioritized, and the client's needs are at the forefront of social work practice.

05:03

🔄 Disconnection and Enmeshment: The Impact on Social Work and Collective Care

In this paragraph, Reynolds delves deeper into the consequences of disconnection and enmeshment in social work. Disconnected workers may resort to avoidance and numbing, leading to ineffectiveness and cynicism. They may also develop a negative attitude, which can turn into bullying behavior and a sense of victimhood. On the other hand, enmeshment can lead to over-involvement with clients, creating inappropriately intimate relationships that can be harmful and transgressive. Reynolds emphasizes the need for solidarity and collective care among workers, advocating for critique and support within a team to maintain the 'Zone of Fabulousness.' She stresses the importance of pre-existing relationships based on respect and dignity to offer constructive feedback and keep each other accountable to collective ethics and the centrality of the client in social work.

Keywords

💡Social Justice Activism

Social Justice Activism refers to the work of advocating for the rights and fair treatment of all members of society, particularly those who are marginalized or oppressed. In the video, Vicki Reynolds identifies as a social justice activist, emphasizing the importance of ethical work in serving marginalized communities. The theme of social justice activism is woven throughout the script, highlighting the need for collective action and solidarity to create a just society.

💡Zone of Fabulousness

The 'Zone of Fabulousness' is a concept introduced by Reynolds to describe an ideal state of professional engagement where workers maintain a healthy balance between being too close or too distant from their clients. It represents a place of connection, ethics, and collaborative service, where the client is at the center. The term is used to illustrate the goal of maintaining a professional relationship that is both effective and respectful, avoiding the pitfalls of enmeshment or disconnection.

💡Burnout

Burnout is a state of chronic stress and emotional exhaustion that can occur in workers, particularly those in high-stress jobs like social work. In the script, Reynolds discusses burnout not just as a measure of mental wellness, but as a symptom of being either too close or too far from clients. The concept is used to explore the negative impacts of professional relationships that are either too intimate or too distant.

💡Enmeshment

Enmeshment in a professional context refers to an unhealthy overlap of personal and professional boundaries, where a worker becomes overly involved with a client. Reynolds uses the term to describe a form of burnout where workers move too close to clients, potentially leading to transgressive relationships that can harm both the client and the worker, and disrupt the integrity of the service provided.

💡Disconnection

Disconnection, as discussed in the script, is the opposite of enmeshment and refers to a state where workers are emotionally distant from their clients, leading to a lack of empathy and engagement. This can result in workers becoming ineffective, cynical, and potentially developing a negative impact on the work environment and the clients they serve.

💡Ethics

Ethics in this context refers to the moral principles that guide the conduct of professionals, especially in their interactions with clients. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of collective ethics in maintaining the 'Zone of Fabulousness,' where workers act in the best interest of their clients and uphold standards of justice and fairness.

💡Solidarity

Solidarity is the unity and mutual support within a group, particularly among workers in the video's context. Reynolds discusses the importance of solidarity in social justice activism and community work, where workers support each other to maintain a balance and offer critique to keep each other accountable to collective ethics.

💡Collective Care

Collective Care is the idea of looking after one another within a group, as opposed to individual self-care. Reynolds suggests that in the 'Zone of Fabulousness,' workers should focus on collective care, which involves mutual support and critique to ensure that everyone stays connected and aligned with their collective ethics.

💡Accountability

Accountability is the obligation to report, explain, and be responsible for one's actions. In the script, Reynolds talks about the importance of holding each other accountable within the group to maintain the 'Zone of Fabulousness.' It implies that workers should be ready to offer and receive critique to ensure ethical and effective service.

💡Trauma Symptoms

Trauma Symptoms refer to the psychological and physical responses to traumatic experiences. Reynolds mentions symptoms like avoidance and numbing, which can manifest in workers who are disconnected from their clients. These symptoms can affect a worker's ability to provide effective service and contribute to a negative work environment.

💡Cynicism

Cynicism is a state of不相信 or distrust, often resulting from negative experiences. In the context of the video, Reynolds describes how disconnection can lead to cynicism among workers, causing them to become negative and resistant to new ideas or changes, which can hinder the effectiveness of their work and the overall work environment.

Highlights

Vicki Reynolds introduces herself as a social justice activist focused on keeping workers in the margins well and ethical.

Reynolds proposes the concept of the 'zone of fabulousness' as an alternative way to address worker burnout by centering the person being served.

She explains that burnout can manifest in two ways: workers getting too close and enmeshed with clients or becoming too distant and disconnected.

The 'zone of fabulousness' is described as a balanced state where workers are connected, ethical, collaborative, and client-centered.

Reynolds highlights the dangers of enmeshment, including boundary violations and the potential to replicate trauma, such as sexual abuse.

She also discusses the risks of disconnection, leading to avoidance, numbing, negativity, cynicism, and bullying within organizations.

Reynolds emphasizes the importance of solidarity among workers, collective care, and the need for mutual critique to maintain ethical practices.

She draws inspiration from queer culture and theory, valuing playfulness, fluidity, and collective ethics.

The 'zone of fabulousness' requires pre-existing relationships of respect and dignity among workers to facilitate accountability and critique.

Reynolds asserts that group decisions are always better than individual ones, advocating for dialogical spaces centered in ethics.

She emphasizes the need for workers to avoid situating themselves as either heroes or victims of their work.

Reynolds calls for moral courage among workers to invite each other back to accountability and collective ethics.

She stresses that maintaining the 'zone of fabulousness' is crucial for both worker well-being and effective client service.

Reynolds highlights that nobody enters this work intending to harm, and solidarity requires addressing enmeshment and disconnection when they occur.

She concludes by reinforcing the idea that solidarity and collective ethics are essential for sustaining hope and effectiveness in social justice work.

Transcripts

hi I'm Vicki Reynolds I'm an adjunct

professor and I clinical supervisor but

mostly I'm a social justice activist and

my work is really trying to keep people

who are working in the margins well and

ethical so that we can be abuse across

time

so the idea of the zone of fabulousness

it's an alternative way to look at

worker burnout instead of measuring the

mental wellness of the worker I'm

interested in trying to Center the

person we're trying to serve the person

that gets called a client so what I want

to know is are we holding ourselves

close to our clients are we moving away

so what I think about is sometimes

workers do get harmed in the work I'm

not denying that but it usually falls

out one or two ways one way that people

kind of enact burnout is by moving way

too close to clients and getting a

meshed with them and the other way that

people kind of burnout is when they move

way too far away from clients and get

disconnected from them and where we want

to be is in their zone fabulousness in

that Center and that's the place where

we're connected we're in line with our

ethics were actually enacting our

collective ethics for justice doing

we're collaborative with each other and

the person we're trying to serve as

absolutely at the center in the zone of

fabulousness that's where hope is and in

disconnection that's the stealer of hope

not only do they not bring hope but they

steal the hope of other workers and they

steal the hope of the people that we're

trying to serve all of my work is about

bridging the work of social justice

activism and community work and if we

work more along the ethics of social

justice activism where there's a bunch

of tenants that help us do that work one

being it's amazing what you can get done

if you don't care who gets the credit

you know when you're working with ideas

like that this I think this solidarity

and keeping each other in the zone of

fabulousness

is what we've done as activists since

forever I don't think this is

necessarily an idea I've had I'm just

trying to articulate this or give some

kind of frame to what we've always

always done with each other but we've

always known is we need each other to do

this work and all we have is each other

so one way that folks burnout if you

want to use that language is they move

way too close to clients and they get

taken within measurement and this is

where we start to create relationships

that are way too intimate with clients

to the fact that they're actually

transgressive and when we're within

measurement and we move too close to

clients sometimes workers situate

themselves as heroes and we always

remind myself a hero is someone who's

one parent is it God and one parents a

human so it's a pretty undoable position

but these are folks who you know they

work hard and then they keep just

working harder it's kind of like the

shoveling water they feel really

ineffective so they just keep working

but they moved so close into clients

that they lose track of all kinds of

boundaries and they work like lone

wolves you know these are folks who say

things like I had to take a client home

because I'm the only person they've got

as soon as you start to think you're the

only person they've got they also really

diminish the work of other workers and

they only take on the work that feeds

them you know like you clean the toilets

and you start doing the session notes

because I'm going to talk to people

because I'm really relational they

really like me so when folks get and

meshed they move way too close to people

and those relationships can be really

intrusive if we think about trauma

symptoms that can be intruding and

crossing the boundaries with people and

it's really not attainable like they

can't keep going on like that and so

they become really ineffective and they

the folks who when they cross these

boundaries they can get organizations

investigated and shut down these are

folks that sometimes lose their job

because it's so obvious they've gone way

beyond the pale but really diminishing

the work of other workers and but the

transgressions of intimacy make it very

unsafe for clients and they replicate

things like sexual abuse which is this

real transgression of boundaries so

what's really concerning about this

intrusive stuff when when folks get

taken within measurement and moving too

close into clients and getting a meshed

with them is replicating things like

sexual abuse safety is consistency and

predictability across time and so what

happens many of the folks we work with

who've been oppressed they understand

what it looks like when someone

transgressed those boundaries so as soon

as one worker creates these special

relationships they have the one client

they give cigarettes to or the couple of

clients that they take out for birthday

lunches

people know there's a special

relationship that they have with those

clients and then everybody in the staff

team and everybody that we're serving

knows there's transgressions of

boundaries here the other staff are

doing nothing about it this one it this

is what it's like most sexual abuse is

not a man you don't know jumping out

behind a bush with a knife it's usually

an uncle it's usually a family member

who's well known they take care for you

they create a special relationship with

one niece or nephew take them to the

movies by them popcorn put them on their

knee

you know have an erection ejaculate put

the kid down given the popcorn you like

the movie you like the popcorn you

didn't like the sexual abuse you're

really confused that kind of like

invasive boundary transgression that's

what it looks like and when we start to

have someone doing that on a staff team

and other people don't stop them we are

it's really an attack on the safety of

the whole community and that's kind of

that's really the impact of that kind of

a measurement well you know within

measurement people are bleeding all over

everybody in disconnection people don't

have broken hearts because they don't

bring their heart to work people become

very disconnected so they move way too

far away from the people we're trying to

serve from the people who call clients

and they get really disconnected

disconnected from their own bodies their

own spirituality their own community

other people these are folks who use

things like avoidance and numbing if we

think about trauma symptoms so these are

folks that go home from work and have to

have a couple of drinks to disconnect

from what happened from the day they

don't stay with it they don't work

through it they're disconnected people

are taken with this connection are often

taken with ineffectiveness they're not

sure what they're doing is okay they can

get taken with massive negativity and

that negativity across time turns into

cynicism they're pissed about their

organization they're pissed about their

co-workers their managers and when these

folks keep up with that massive

negativity and cynicism what they're

really doing is bullying and these are

folks when someone brings a new idea

they just I got a nail that right right

into the ground they're like absolutely

not you know this new idea you have

we've already had it we've already tried

it it's not going to work this place

isn't gonna get fixed and they use this

negativity to keep everybody away

because what they don't want to show is

their work or themselves because they're

so disconnected from all of that right

when folks are taken with disconnection

they can even move there so about

themselves that they can get to the

place where they actually situate

themselves as the victims of this work

so while we're in an opiate epidemic and

people are dying you can have some staff

members talk about it's hardest on them

it just seems like an absolute inversion

of power and but people kind of manage

when they get with that much negativity

and that much disconnection to start to

see themselves as a victim of their work

so where we want to be is in the middle

we want to be in the zone of

fabulousness and I you know I take that

language

from queer culture which has meant a lot

to me and added a lot to me and I like

the playfulness of that there's a

fluidity from queer theory so the zone

of fabulousness is not necessarily one

place but it's the place where the

client is actually at the center the

person we're trying to serve is the

person that's at the center

we're in solidarity with other workers

we're not being hero's and we're not

being the victims of our work we're in

the team we're holding each other up

we're really connected to our collective

ethics for justice doing with people

that solidarity that we have with each

other means we are able to offer each

other critique and we're not looking at

self care so much we're looking for our

collective care and collective care

often looks like critique we're going to

keep each other with fabulousness so

that when someone starts to slip out

we're going to kind of bring them back

to those collective ethics that we serve

and that that person's the thing at the

center when we're in the zone of

fabulousness we're in there together

you cannot keep yourself fabulous that's

really important it everybody has great

intentions I always remind myself nobody

came to this work to hurt anybody so

somebody's slipping towards enmeshment

or disconnection it's not where they

want to be going so my solidarity

requires that I don't make them feel

better about that and I don't ignore

that I let them know about that so we

owe each other a terrible loyalty right

and so when I see somebody leaving the

zone of fabulousness I need to offer

them a critique and I have to like bring

them back to what's fabulous to do that

we have to have pre-existing

relationships of respect and dignity I

don't care if co-workers like each other

in fact sometimes it's not even helpful

because we smooth over differences

between us and we don't prioritize the

service we're doing to the people were

there to serve so yeah I want I want

someone who's going to have the moral

courage to invite me back to

accountability to our collective ethics

that's that's what solidarity means in

this moment you know in terms of those

nona fabulousness I really believe in

solidarity I really believe in group is

always better than individuals so you

know the smartest social worker is not

going to make as good a decision as four

randomly chosen workers about anything

you know that the conversations if we

can get into a dialogical space with

each other that's actually centered in

ethics something emergent impossible is

going to happen that can't happen from

one smart decision right that's why you

know that's why not only is the zone a

fact

listen is the place to keep us alive in

the work but it's how we serve clients

are the people are trying to serve how

we do that better more creatively

you